As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for air traffic control in District of Columbia is $68,638, equivalent to $33 per hour, $1,320 weekly, or $5,720 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for air traffic control in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for air traffic control in District of Columbia vary widely, spanning from $56,486 to $86,967. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($62,277) and 75th percentile ($78,232), while top earners (90th percentile) make $86,967 per year. This $15,955 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Scheduling or Safety Training, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia air traffic control often earn 10.7% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 13 companies. However, District of Columbia currently ranks 1 nationwide for air traffic control job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
air traffic control Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile air traffic control Salary $56,486 DC April 01, 2026
25th Percentile air traffic control Salary $62,277 DC April 01, 2026
50th Percentile air traffic control Salary $68,638 DC April 01, 2026
75th Percentile air traffic control Salary $78,232 DC April 01, 2026
90th Percentile air traffic control Salary $86,967 DC April 01, 2026
25% $62,277 10% $56,486 90% $86,967 75% $78,232 $68,638 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out air traffic control jobs in District of Columbia

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What is An air traffic control ?

Air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the airspace and on the ground. They coordinate the flow of air traffic, provide instructions to pilots, and monitor flight paths to prevent collisions. The salary for air traffic controllers varies based on experience, location, and the specific agency of employment. On average, salaries range from $60,000 to over $150,000 annually, with potential for additional benefits and overtime pay. Factors influencing salary include the level of responsibility, the complexity of the airspace managed, and...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Naval Anacost Annex, DC Avg. Salary $81,587 Date Updated April 01, 2026
Location Parcel Return Service, DC Avg. Salary $81,587 Date Updated April 01, 2026
Location Washington, DC Avg. Salary $81,587 Date Updated April 01, 2026
Location Washington Navy Yard, DC Avg. Salary $81,587 Date Updated April 01, 2026
Job Openings for air traffic control in District of Columbia

Jobs with a similar salary range to air traffic control : Transportation Scheduler, Scheduling Administrator, Owner Relations Manager